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You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/11-44.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/03_Lev_11_44.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 11:44 - Clean and Unclean Animals" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. 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Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. <a href="/nlt/leviticus/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> For I am the LORD your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. So do not defile yourselves with any of these small animals that scurry along the ground. <a href="/esv/leviticus/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. <a href="/bsb/leviticus/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. <a href="/kjv/leviticus/11.htm">King James Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. <a href="/nkjv/leviticus/11.htm">New King James Version</a> For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. <a href="/nasb_/leviticus/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. <a href="/nasb/leviticus/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. <a href="/nasb77/leviticus/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. <a href="/lsb/leviticus/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I am Yahweh your God. Therefore, set yourselves apart as holy and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that move on the earth. <a href="/amp/leviticus/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God; so consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm or crawls on the ground. <a href="/csb/leviticus/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. Do not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. <a href="/hcsb/leviticus/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. <a href="/asv/leviticus/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I am Jehovah your God: sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that moveth upon the earth. <a href="/cev/leviticus/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am the LORD your God, and you must dedicate yourselves to me and be holy, just as I am holy. Don't become disgusting by eating any of these unclean creatures. <a href="/erv/leviticus/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I am the LORD your God: sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that moveth upon the earth. <a href="/gwt/leviticus/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Here is the reason: I am the LORD your God. You must live holy lives. Be holy because I am holy. Never become unclean by touching anything that swarms or crawls on the ground. <a href="/gnt/leviticus/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am the LORD your God, and you must keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. <a href="/isv/leviticus/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> because I, the LORD, am your God. Set yourselves apart and be holy, because I am holy. You are not to defile yourselves with any of the swarming creatures that swarm the earth. <a href="/msb/leviticus/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. <a href="/net/leviticus/11.htm">NET Bible</a> for I am the LORD your God and you are to sanctify yourselves and be holy because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any of the swarming things that creep on the ground, <a href="/nheb/leviticus/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves with any kind of crawling creature that moves on the earth. <a href="/wbt/leviticus/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping animal that creepeth upon the earth. <a href="/web/leviticus/11.htm">World English Bible</a> For I am Yahweh your God. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/leviticus/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For I [am] your God YHWH, and you have sanctified yourselves, and you have been holy, for I [am] holy; and you do not defile your persons with any teeming thing which is creeping on the earth; <a href="/ylt/leviticus/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For I am Jehovah your God, and ye have sanctified yourselves, and ye have been holy, for I am holy; and ye do not defile your persons with any teeming thing which is creeping on the earth; <a href="/slt/leviticus/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For I am Jehovah, your God, and ye were consecrated and ye were holy, for I am holy: and ye shall not make your souls unclean by any creeping thing creeping upon the earth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/leviticus/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I am the Lord your God: be holy because I am holy. Defile not your souls by any creeping thing, that moveth upon the earth. <a href="/cpdv/leviticus/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I am the Lord your God. Be holy, for I am Holy. Do not pollute your souls with any creeping thing, which moves across the land. <a href="/nabre/leviticus/11.htm">New American Bible</a> For I, the LORD, am your God. You shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. You shall not make yourselves unclean, then, by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. <a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I am the LORD your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming creature that moves on the earth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For I am the LORD your God; you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy; neither shall you defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. <a href="/hpbt/leviticus/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because I AM LORD JEHOVAH your God and you shall be hallowed and you shall be Holy Ones, because I am holy; you shall not defile your souls by any creeping thing that creeps on the Earth.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/leviticus/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For I am the LORD your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy; for I am holy; neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of swarming thing that moveth upon the earth. <a href="/sep/leviticus/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For I am the Lord your God; and ye shall be sanctified, and ye shall be holy, because I the Lord your God am holy; and ye shall not defile your souls with any of the reptiles creeping upon the earth. <a href="/parallel/leviticus/11-44.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=2730" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/leviticus/11.htm">Clean and Unclean Animals</a> …43Do not defile yourselves by any crawling creature; do not become unclean or defiled by them. 44<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6942.htm" title="6942: wə·hiṯ·qad·diš·tem (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">consecrate yourselves, therefore,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wih·yî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and be</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qə·ḏō·šîm (Adj-mp) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">holy,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6918.htm" title="6918: qā·ḏō·wōš (Adj-ms) -- Sacred, holy. Or qadosh; from qadash; sacred; God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary.">am holy.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2930.htm" title="2930: ṯə·ṭam·mə·’ū (V-Piel-Imperf-2mp) -- To be or become unclean. A primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense.">defile</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šō·ṯê·ḵem (N-fpc:: 2mp) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">by any</a> <a href="/hebrew/8318.htm" title="8318: haš·še·reṣ (Art:: N-ms) -- Swarmers, swarming things. From sharats; a swarm, i.e. Active mass of minute animals.">creature</a> <a href="/hebrew/7430.htm" title="7430: hā·rō·mêś (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to glide swiftly, i.e. To crawl or move with short steps; by analogy to swarm.">that crawls</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">along</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the ground.</a> 45For I am the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt so that I would be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a> But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” <a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a> “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. <a href="/leviticus/20-7.htm">Leviticus 20:7</a> Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. <a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a> And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” <a href="/exodus/19-6.htm">Exodus 19:6</a> And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:7</a> For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. <a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a> Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a> Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a> Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Ephesians 1:4</a> For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love <a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a> And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-17.htm">1 Corinthians 3:17</a> If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. <a href="/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2</a> for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. <a href="/psalms/99-9.htm">Psalm 99:9</a> Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For I am the LORD your God: you shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creeps on the earth.I am the<a href="/exodus/20-2.htm">Exodus 20:2</a> I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.ye shall<a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm">Leviticus 10:3</a> Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.<a href="/leviticus/19-2.htm">Leviticus 19:2</a> Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.<a href="/leviticus/20-7.htm">Leviticus 20:7,26</a> Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/leviticus/8-33.htm">Consecrate</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Crawls</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Creepeth</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Creeping</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-29.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-27.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Moves</a> <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-19.htm">Consecrate</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-42.htm">Crawls</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Creepeth</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-5.htm">Creeping</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-31.htm">Defile</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-45.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-31.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-54.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Moves</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-7.htm">Sanctify</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-47.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 11</div>1. <a href="/leviticus/11-1.htm">What animals may be eaten</a> 4. <a href="/leviticus/11-4.htm">and what may not be eaten</a> 9. <a href="/leviticus/11-9.htm">What fishes</a> 13. <a href="/leviticus/11-13.htm">What fowls</a> 29. <a href="/leviticus/11-29.htm">The creeping things which are unclean</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For I am the LORD your God; This phrase establishes the authority and identity of God as the covenantal deity of Israel. It emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people, rooted in the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies God's eternal and unchanging nature. This declaration is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate lawgiver. It connects to the first commandment in <a href="/exodus/20-2.htm">Exodus 20:2-3</a>, where God asserts His identity as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt, reinforcing His authority and the expectation of exclusive worship.consecrate yourselves, therefore, The call to consecration is an invitation to set oneself apart for God's purposes. In the context of Leviticus, this involves ritual purity and adherence to dietary laws, which serve as tangible expressions of holiness. The Hebrew concept of consecration involves both a divine act and human responsibility. This phrase echoes the broader Levitical theme of holiness, where the Israelites are to distinguish themselves from surrounding nations. It also foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to be set apart, as seen in <a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1</a>, where Paul urges Christians to present their bodies as living sacrifices.and be holy, Holiness in this context refers to moral and ritual purity. It is a reflection of God's own nature, as He is the standard of holiness. The call to be holy is not merely about external compliance but involves an internal transformation aligning with God's character. This command is foundational to the entire book of Leviticus and is reiterated in <a href="/1_peter/1-15.htm">1 Peter 1:15-16</a>, where believers are called to holiness in all aspects of life. The concept of holiness also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect holiness and enables believers to be holy through His sacrifice.because I am holy. God's holiness is the basis for the Israelites' call to holiness. It underscores the idea that God's people are to reflect His character. This statement highlights the transcendence and purity of God, setting Him apart from all creation. The holiness of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, seen in Isaiah's vision (<a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3</a>) and the worship in Revelation (<a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Revelation 4:8</a>). It serves as a reminder that God's standards are not arbitrary but are rooted in His very nature.You must not defile yourselves by any creature that crawls along the ground. This specific prohibition is part of the dietary laws given to Israel, distinguishing clean from unclean animals. These laws served to maintain ritual purity and symbolized the separation of Israel from pagan practices. The prohibition against consuming certain creatures is a practical application of the call to holiness, reinforcing the idea that God's people are to be distinct in their conduct. While these dietary laws are not binding on Christians (<a href="/acts/10-9.htm">Acts 10:9-16</a>), they illustrate the broader principle of living a life that is set apart for God. The emphasis on avoiding defilement points to the need for spiritual purity, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who cleanses believers from all unrighteousness (1 <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant God of Israel, who calls His people to holiness. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God, receiving the laws and commandments through Moses. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader and prophet through whom God delivers His laws to the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/s/swarming_creatures.htm">Swarming Creatures</a> Refers to various small animals and insects considered unclean under the Mosaic Law. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a> The place where God gave the Law to Moses, including dietary laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_holiness.htm">Understanding Holiness</a> Holiness is not just about ritual purity but a comprehensive lifestyle that reflects God's character. <a href="/topical/c/consecration_as_a_response.htm">Consecration as a Response</a> Our consecration is a response to God's identity as our Lord and His holiness. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_defilement.htm">Avoiding Defilement</a> The call to avoid defilement is a reminder to be vigilant about what influences our spiritual and moral purity. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_daily_life.htm">Holiness in Daily Life</a> Holiness should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our decisions, relationships, and actions. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a> As God's people, we are to reflect His holiness in a world that often opposes His standards.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 11</a> <a href="/q/how_can_you_be_holy_like_i_am.htm">How can you be holy like I am?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_main_themes_in_leviticus.htm">What are the main themes in Leviticus?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_unclean_spirits.htm">What are unclean spirits?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_holiness_of_god.htm">What defines the holiness of God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/leviticus/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(44) For I am the Lord your God.--As the Lord who is their God is Himself holy, His people, in order to enjoy perfect communion with Him, must also be holy. Hence they must abstain from all these objects of defilement which mar that holy communion. Appealing to this declaration, the Apostle Paul uses the same admonition: "As he which hath called you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy" (<a href="/context/1_peter/1-15.htm" title="But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;">1Peter 1:15-16</a>).Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy.--Better, Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy, as the Authorised Version renders exactly the same phrase in <a href="/leviticus/20-6.htm" title="And the soul that turns after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.">Leviticus 20:6</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/leviticus/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 44-47. - These concluding verses give a religious sanction to the previous regulations, and make them matters of sacred, not merely sanitary or political, obligation. They were to sanctify themselves, that is, to avoid uncleanness, because God is holy, and they were God's. They were thus taught that ceremonial cleanness of the body was a symbol of holiness of heart, and a means of attaining to the latter. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt. It is possible that Egypt may be named as being the laud of animal-worship. To be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. The only way by which there can be communion between God and man is the way of holiness. Jewish industry and care has counted the number of letters in the Pentateuch, and marked by the use of the letter ו in larger type, in the word גָּחון, which occurs in verse 42, that that letter is the middle letter of the whole work from the beginning of Genesis to the end of Deuteronomy. It is easy to see what a protection to the text such minute and scrupulous care must be. <a href="/commentaries/leviticus/11-44.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am the LORD יְהוָה֮ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel your God; אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶם֒ (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative consecrate yourselves therefore, וְהִתְקַדִּשְׁתֶּם֙ (wə·hiṯ·qad·diš·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> To be set apart or consecrated and be וִהְיִיתֶ֣ם (wih·yî·ṯem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be holy, קְדֹשִׁ֔ים (qə·ḏō·šîm) Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אָ֑נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am holy. קָד֖וֹשׁ (qā·ḏō·wōš) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6918.htm">Strong's 6918: </a> Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuary You must not וְלֹ֤א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no defile תְטַמְּאוּ֙ (ṯə·ṭam·mə·’ū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2930.htm">Strong's 2930: </a> To be or become unclean yourselves נַפְשֹׁ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם (nap̄·šō·ṯê·ḵem) Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion by any בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every creature הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ (haš·še·reṣ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8318.htm">Strong's 8318: </a> A swarm, active mass of minute animals that crawls הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ (hā·rō·mêś) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7430.htm">Strong's 7430: </a> To glide swiftly, to crawl, move with short steps, to swarm along עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the ground. הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/leviticus/11-44.htm">Leviticus 11:44 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-44.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 11:44 For I am Yahweh your God (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 11:43"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 11:43" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/11-45.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 11:45"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 11:45" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>